Author Archives: brentongibbs

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About brentongibbs

A Hawthorn-following South Australian living in sunny BrisVegas, Queensland. Public relations director at RG Communications.

Ride review – Southport to Burleigh Heads, Queensland

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Over the New Year I was able to take my bike on holidays for the first time courtesy of new roof racks and a Whispbar bike carrier.

So with the family and car loaded up and my trusty Trek on the roof we headed off to the Gold Coast.

Our base was Broadbeach which is central on the Gold Coast and a great place to ride from.

The best ride I did was from Broadbeach north through Surfers Paradise to The Spit at Southport. Passing Seaworld, you continue on to The Spit which is a permanent sand spit that separates the Southport Broadwater from the Pacific Ocean. Then I headed back south towards Burleigh Heads. From Broadbeach heading south along famous Hedges Avenue — millionaire’s row and one of Queensland’s most iconic streets — then Albatross Avenue, Mermaids Beach though Nobbys Beach and Miami to Burleigh Heads.

Burleigh is a great place to stop for a drink break or coffee or just to soak in the view of the stunning Gold Coast skyline, looming north.

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Running sculpture at Nobbys Beach

The total distance of this round trip was 44kms and mainly on quieter roads with designated cycling lanes. The best time to ride is early in the morning for stunning sunrises, less traffic and cooler temperatures. It’s a popular cycling route and easy to tag along with others if you are riding by yourself and need some added motivation.

It’s fairly flat but an enjoyable ride close to some of the best beaches in Australia with always lots to see and a great holiday atmosphere. It’s possible to take a bit of time and stop and enjoy some of the coastal sights along the way.

Highly recommended.

Burleigh Ride

My Favourite Queensland holidays – Burleigh Heads

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Beachside holidays have always been popular in our house and our car often points south to the Gold Coast when it’s time for a seaside escape.

Our family has for a while now enjoyed getting to know Burleigh Heads — a place internationally famous for the annual Burleigh Pro surfing competition. 

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Whilst boogie boards are the extent of our surfing prowess we have found that Burleigh offers so much variety for a Gold Coast getaway. From funky cafes and tempting restaurants, a range of shopping options, weekly art and craft market, walking trails and abundance of wildlife, there really is something for everyone. You can be as active as you like or perhaps take the opportunity to rejuvenate completely, unwind and laze the day away.

IMG_3581 Burleigh Heads point, as well as providing a sheltered beach, rock pools to explore and perfect waves for surfers, also offers one of the most spectacular coastal views in Queensland. Looking north from either the beach, bluff or lookout you see the spectacular Gold Coast skyline and beaches stretch out almost as far as the eye can see.

During a recent stay I was again taking in this amazing view and noticing how many others were simply doing the same.

A retired couple setting up their chairs, books and esky under one of the Pandanus palms lining the headland park said, “We do this every day, changing our spots to get the shade and enjoy this view.”

It’s a view that is one of the most iconic in our State and one of the reasons why Burleigh Heads has such a hold on us.

If you can’t find a place like this on the Gold Coast that appeals to you to keep going back then you’re not really trying.

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Trek FX 7.4 bike review

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I have recently bought my first serious bike, a Trek FX 7.4,  which is a great all-rounder.  I was wanting a bike to enjoy riding primarily around Brisbane for fitness without wanting to spend a fortune, yet get something that is a going to last a while.

This bike is so far meeting my expectations.

I wasn’t sure what to buy but my local bike shop was very helpful in advising me once I explained what I was trying to achieve. A big shout out to Brant at Velo Bicycles in Windsor, Brisbane.

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Trek FX’s range is a combination fitness and road bike designed in Wisconsin USA and manufactured in Asia like most bikes are these days. The FX bikes get better quality components as the point numbers get higher. 7.4 is probably the sweet spot in the range with Bontrager and Shimano components on top of the quality Trek chassis. For a RRP of AUD$899 you get a great ride for your money.

I have been riding this bike on three long rides each week on the bike tracks and roads around Brisbane and have found it to be a comfortable ride without many shocks on bumps and potholes. Next year I want to do a 50km charity bike ride. So, something to aim for and this bike will serve me well.

I use the Strava app on iPhone for keeping track of my rides.

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Trek FX 7.4:
http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_4_fx/#